WCBU: Pekin data center deal effectively dead now
News ClipThe Community Word·Pekin, Tazewell County, IL·3/27/2026
The Pekin City Council has effectively halted a proposed data center project by Western Hospitality Partners on the Lutticken Farm property, citing significant community opposition and concerns. Mayor Mary Burress announced the decision, which was met with applause and led to the cancellation of a planned town hall meeting. The project lacked sufficient support from the council members.
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Gov: City of Pekin, Illinois Governor's Office
The City of Pekin has effectively ended its consideration of a proposed data center project from Western Hospitality Partners (WHP), a decision announced by Mayor Mary Burress during a City Council meeting. The announcement, which elicited thunderous applause from the public, means the council is expected to vote on a legal termination of its agreement with WHP at a subsequent meeting, according to council member Rick Hilst, who stated the project should now be